Two RAF Typhoons have been scrambled to escort a passenger plane to London after a security alert.

The Air India flight, which was en route from Mumbai to Newark Airport in New Jersey, was forced to make a “precautionary landing” at Stansted airport, the carrier said.

It landed at around 10.15am.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that it scrambled RAF Typhoons at supersonic speed to accompany the plane.

It said: “The aircraft was safely escorted to Stansted airport.

A loud bang was reported by people in Derby just after 10am, which was believed to be caused the supersonic boom from the fighter jets.

The MoD added that “any inconvenience caused to local residents is regretted”.

The diverted aircraft, a Boeing 777, was then met by police at an isolated stand located a distance away from the airport’s ongoing operations.

An official at Air India later told the Reuters news agency that the alert was sparked by a hoax phone call.

In a brief statement, Essex Police said officers were “making enquiries”.

Stansted airport temporarily closed its runway, but said in tweet that normal operations had resumed a short while later.

“We are very sorry for any delays and disruption caused by the incident, but our first priority is always the safety of passengers and staff,” it said.

Air India confirmed an hour later that the aircraft had taken off and resumed its journey.

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